The story of survivor Levinia Maulgas

Every October, the world turns pink in unity – a symbol of hope, courage, and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

It is a time to honour those who have faced the disease with resilience and grace.

Among these heroes is Levinia Maulgas, a proud Humansdorp native, devoted single mother, and remarkable survivor whose story embodies faith, determination, and victory over adversity.

Maulgas’s journey was one built on hard work, ambition, and service long before her diagnosis. A former learner of Humansdorp Secondary School, she went on to earn a National Diploma in Business Management from the former Peninsula Technikon and built a solid career at Sun Boardwalk, where she rose through the ranks to become Transport Manager.

When the hospitality industry came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, her determination saw her through. Drawing on her qualification as a Deputy Sheriff, she earned an income serving in that role while also working as a Grade R teacher at Kate van der Merwe Pre-primary School and Victory Christian School.

After the pandemic, she joined Kouga Local Municipality, first in the Fleet Division under Nico Gouws, and was appointed Fleet Controller in 2021. Her dedication and leadership later earned her promotion to Supervisor in the Parks and Community Services Department, where she continues to serve under the guidance of Sipho Kamte and Rochelle Ludick.

Breast and Lung Cancer

But in June 2024, life took an unexpected and life-altering turn. After confiding in her former general manager about some troubling symptoms, Maulgas sought medical advice – and on 1 July, she received a devastating diagnosis: breast and lung cancer.

“When I was first diagnosed, I was completely shocked. I remember sitting quietly, feeling numb and thinking, ‘How could this be happening to me?’ Fear and uncertainty filled my heart. But deep down, I knew I had to stay strong and trust in God’s plan for my life. I held on tightly to 1 Corinthians 15:10 – ‘By the grace of God I am what I am.’ That verse reminded me that even in my weakness, His grace would carry me through.”

‘My God Is’

In those early days, consumed by fear and uncertainty, she began arranging her funeral and putting everything in order to ensure her beloved son, St. Thomas, would not struggle after her passing. But as treatment began and her faith deepened, she soon realised cancer is not a death sentence – it is a journey of discovery, strength, and divine purpose.

With faith as her anchor, she took a bold first step.

“After receiving my diagnosis, I went straight to the barber and let him shave off all my hair. I didn’t wait for it to fall out. That decision showed my mindset at the time – I was ready to fight.”

And fight she did.

Maulgas endured eight rounds of chemotherapy, facing exhaustion, hair loss, and emotional turmoil with unwavering courage. Her family and friends became her army of support – some even cutting their hair in solidarity. Her 77-year-old parents lovingly prepared potjiekos after every treatment, while her son remained her constant pillar of strength.

“Having a support system is one of the ways you get through a difficult journey. My son looked after me during all three operations, always reminding me to trust the process. My sisters, nephew, and my son all cut their hair to show support.”

When asked who gave her the strength to carry on, her answer was simple and profound: “My God is.”

Double Mastectomy

In October 2024, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maulgas faced one of her toughest battles – a double mastectomy. With courage and humour, she called it “getting her wheel alignment right.” The recovery was long and painful, but her faith, her son, and her family’s love carried her through.

In early 2025, she completed three weeks of radiation therapy and later underwent surgery to remove her ovaries. By June, she began a six-month course of oral chemotherapy. Today, Maulgas is in remission – grateful, grounded, and glowing with renewed purpose.

“The last operation had my family worried. I went into the theatre at 15:00. and by 22:00 they were still operating – a procedure that was supposed to take three hours. My sister Emelia even called to check if I was still alive. But through it all, I felt God’s hand on me.

Gratitude
“I am grateful for all the support I received – from my family, my colleagues, and the Kouga Local Municipality leadership. The management team, my Director, Nomvula Machelesi, the Municipal Manager, Charl du Plessis, and Deputy Municipal Manager, Dawie de Jager, always checked up on me and encouraged me to never lose hope.”

Her determination remains steadfast.

“I go for check-ups every second week. I report for work, and during my 10:00 break, I draw blood and return to duty. My specialist appointments are usually after 15:30, close to home time, and the next day I am back at work as normal. Each visit brings anxiety but also deep gratitude – thankful for life, for healing, and for another chance to make every day count. These check-ups aren’t just medical visits; they’re milestones of grace.”

Her journey has reshaped her outlook on life and deepened her gratitude for the people and blessings around her.

“By God’s grace, I am in remission. The journey wasn’t easy – there were tears, pain, and days when I wanted to give up. But I never walked alone. My family, friends, and community surrounded me with love and prayers. In August 2025, my former employers surprised me with tickets to see CeCe Winans in Cape Town — my favourite gospel artist. That was such a blessing, a reminder that light always finds its way through the darkness.”

Her story is one of hope – a living testament to the power of faith, community, and perseverance.

“My message to women and men is that cancer is not a death sentence — it is a process. It teaches you patience, faith, and the importance of hope. Listen to your body, do your self-checks, and never delay seeking help.
Surround yourself with positive, prayerful people. And when the journey gets hard, remember that God’s grace is bigger than any diagnosis. You can rise, you can heal, and you can inspire others just by sharing your story.”

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kouga Local Municipality salutes survivors like Levinia Maulgas, whose courage lights the way for others still fighting their battles. Her story reminds us all that even in life’s darkest moments, faith and love can turn pain into purpose – and survival into triumph.